title: Anaerobic degradation of uric acid via pyrimidine derivatives by selenium-starved cells of Clostridium purinolyticum.
abstract: Clostridium purinolyticum decomposed uric acid via pyrimidine derivatives under selenium starvation conditions. Products were acetate, formate, glycine, ammonia, and CO2. 4,5-Diaminouracil could be identified as an intermediate after converting the labile substance into 6,7-dimethyllumazine. The breakdown of uric acid was inhibited by EDTA. High-pressure liquid chromatography methods have been developed for the simultaneous determination of uric acid, 4,5-diaminouracil, and 6,7-dimethyllumazine. The significance of the new pathway is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000693:Anaerobiosis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003013:Clostridium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000378:metabolism*; D012643:Selenium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011743:Pyrimidines; D014527:Uric Acid; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012643:Selenium